For such a complicated looking top, it is truly easy to make. In this tutorial, I'll be teaching you how to create a ruched tie top with nothing but scissors and a sewing machine.

Supplies

1 Tank top

1 safety pin

sewing machine

scissors

Step 1: (Optional) Tailoring the Top

If your top is already tightly fitted, feel free to skip this step.

In order to create the best product, a loosely fitted top must be tailored correctly. To do this, create darts spanning from the bottom hem to the sleeve seam. Pin and sew using a zigzag stitch. Cut off any excess fabric.

By the end of this step, the top should be tightly fitted.

Step 2: Creating the Top

Starting at the bottom hem, measure and mark the preferred length of your new top. Make sure to leave a seam allowance. For reference, I marked 28 cm.

Using the mark as a guide, cut horizontally so that a rectangular piece of fabric is formed. This will act as the new tank top.

Pin and hem using a straight stitch.

Step 3: Creating Ties

Using the leftover portion of the old top, mark out three strips of fabric 3 cm in width. (Tip: make these strips as long as possible by using the bottom hem.) Cut the three pieces of fabric out. Cut one end of each piece of fabric so that they resemble long ties.

Fold each end of the tie to the middle. Then, fold it in half. Sew closed using a straight stitch.

By the end of this step, 3 ties should be created.

Step 4: Tie Channels

Using the remaining portion of the old top, cut out two rectangular pieces of fabric about 4 cm wide and as long as the length of the new top. Draw a line through the middle of each piece of fabric.

Turn the new top inside out. Measure and mark out each third of the top. Place each strip on their respective markings. Pin and sew using a straight stitch and three seams: two on the end and one in the middle.

By the end of this step, two tie channels should be created.

Step 5: Assembling the Top

With the help of a safety pin, thread one tie through each tie channel. Pull the ties through so that the ends hang from the bottom and no portion can be seen from the top.

Cut the remaining tie in half to act as straps. Sew using a straight stitch.

The new top is now ready to wear.